FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama will add a third ceremony for December 2018 commencement.
A new ceremony on the evening of Friday, Dec. 14, will honor graduates of the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions and the College of Education and Human Sciences.
The usual two Saturday ceremonies taking place Dec. 15, will recognize graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences in the morning and the College of Business in the afternoon (all times TBD). Tickets will not be required for audience admission to any of the three ceremonies.
Officials listed several reasons for this change, including: a much larger than expected number of December 
graduates; ongoing construction in Flowers Hall that will result in the permanent reduction of nearly 800 seats; and feedback from students and parents regarding the previously proposed plan to issue tickets for admission.
“There were many variables that informed our decision,” said Dr. Kenneth Kitts, UNA President. “Due to University growth and the increasing diversity and expansion of popular programs, we expect to have a high number of graduates this December and in future winter commencements.”
Chief Enrollment Officer and Assistant to the President for Diversity, Mr. Ron Patterson, who directly oversees commencement also added, “We had planned to implement a three-ceremony commencement in May 2019, and this simply shifts that strategy to December 2018. The University wants to do what is best for students and their families.”
The University will continue to utilize a three-ceremony commencement in May and December exercises, while also adding an August commencement in 2019 for summer graduates.
“The addition of multiple ceremonies in December and May, plus an August commencement represents the continued growth and health of the institution. It’s quite exciting,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, UNA vice president for Academic Affairs and provost.
Media Release/University of North Alabama/Bryan Rachal
